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The Offspring Star Graduates College With Molecular Biology Ph.D.

Punk star Dexter Holland has graduated from the University of Southern California with a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology.

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The Offspring frontman, who already has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in biology, graduated on Thursday.
Holland, who put his studies on hold to tour the world with his band, announced the news in a quirky post on The Offspring’s website.
“You might ask, why are you getting a Ph.D.?” Holland writes. “Well, pick the correct answer from the choices below! A) I was bored B) I like suffering C) I am interested in the molecular dynamics of HIV infection and of virus:host interactions in general.
“No, the answer’s not all three! Actually, as many of you already know, I started the Ph.D. a long time ago, but put it on hold when we started touring a lot. I finally went back a few years ago. To finish, I had to research and write a thesis, or dissertation, which is kind of like the biggest term paper you’ll ever do (mine is about 175 pages).
“My research focused on the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, the virus which causes AIDS. I am interested in virology and wanted to contribute in some small way to the knowledge which has been learned about HIV and AIDS. This terrible disease remains a worldwide epidemic — over 35 million people worldwide are currently infected and living with the HIV virus. Over one million people a year die from this disease.”
Holland insists he is going to continue to research HIV and AIDS, adding, “You’ll probably see some of my research papers get published here and there over the next few years.”
And now he’s putting all of his focus back into the band, adding, “We never really stopped touring and making records, but we’ll be doing a bunch of shows all around the world this year plus recording new stuff every chance we get. Look for new music by us out soon.”